No state funding to remove dangerous Iowa dams - KWWL.com

The state of Iowa is refusing to continue funding the removal of small dams in rivers through out the state.

Iowa has spent up from as much as $1.8 million a year to replace the dams in the past. Last year, Governor Branstad vetoed a measure that would have paid to remove the dams, and the legislature has not approved any funds for dam removal this year.

Iowa has 246 "low head" dams to generate power and for flood control. Officials say they are dangerous because the churning water and can trap swimmers or boaters and can cause issues for wildlife.

Eighteen deaths have been blamed on the dams since 1998.